The authors explore theoretical developments and policy and practice initiatives in the complex and changing area of mental health services. They examine the tensions, dilemmas and opportunities now operating, including those relating to gender and ethnicity and places the involvement of users/survivors centre stage.

Identifying and discussing the tensions between different professional models, varying ‘social’ perspectives and political imperatives, the book explores how these tensions are manifested in practice. Key topics include:

• the emphasis on risk as opposed to citizenship and entitlement
• social exclusion and inclusion
• professional and user perspectives
• the ‘territories’ of health and social care and their respective roles and relationships.

An important theme running throughout is the critical appraisal of perspectives concerning gender, ethnicity and sexuality, drawing out wider issues of power and inequality. This book makes ideas and theoretical policy material accessible and applicable, and is a key text for students and practitioners in mental health, social work and social care.

Barbara Fawcett is Professor of Social Work and Policy Studies at the University of Sydney, New South Wales. Kate Karban is Principal Lecturer at Leeds Metropolitan University.